Duo earn Shrimpers deals

Southend have strengthened their squad with the double signing of striker Liam Dickinson and defender Ryan Leonard.

The Shrimpers become Dickinson's second club of the close season, following an ill-fated week-long stay at Plymouth earlier in the summer, after he penned a one-year deal at Roots Hall, with the option of a second year.

Boss Paul Sturrock said of the 25-year-old: "He's a good size and he had a good goalscoring record in this divisions a few seasons ago with Stockport. We feel he has the attributes to be a success here."

Right-back Leonard, 19, also pens a one-year deal with the option of a second after a successful pre-season trial following his release from Argyle.

"He's young and hungry and he has had a very good pre-season so far.." Sturrock added.

"Right-back is probably the only place in the squad that we didn't have any competition or back-up for so it's a good signing for us,"

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.